Veterinarians, Animal Advocates Urge People To Protect Animals In Freezing Temperatures

Freezing temperatures have veterinarians and animal rescue groups worried about pets being outside.

At the Pine Ridge Equine Hospital in Glenpool, horses of all ages get specialized care and surgery. Even though most horses are made to be outdoors in all kinds of weather, freezing temperatures can still affect them. 

"The biggest thing most horse owners are worried about is making sure they stay hydrated," said Dr. Garrett Metcalf, an equine surgeon and veterinarian. 

In the winter, horses eat more hay and grain, which can lead to colic, a painful and possibly deadly intestinal problem.

"Winter is impactions, they're eating a dry diet, there's no access to fresh green grass," Metcalf said.

Metcalf said horses are pretty resilient when it comes to the cold, but it's important they're getting ample food and water to be safe. He said it's best for weaker horses and newborns to be inside or wear blankets.

Some dogs were rescued in Muskogee after being chained outside in the freezing weather with frozen water bowls Tuesday.

"We work every day to try to avoid so many forced [to be] living outside," said Erin Shackelford with the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals.

Shackelford said the center has received almost 400 calls in the past two days for dogs and cats in need of warmth.

She said if your dog has to be outside, you need to insulate its kennel and make sure it has fresh water, but she urges pet owners to take pets inside, even if it's just at night.

"These dogs will suffer, and they will freeze to death if you don't take proper steps to bring them indoors or give them a warm shelter," said Shackelford.

Shackelford said if you see a freezing animal, call local law enforcement.

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